The demonstrators denounced what they described as targeted violence against Banyamulenge and Congolese Tutsis based on their ethnic identity.
They accused several actors, including the Congolese government, Burundian troops operating in eastern DRC, the FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo militia, and other armed groups, of involvement in the attacks.
The protest also highlighted what participants called growing hate speech, discrimination, and persecution directed at Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities across the DRC.
Organizers said the demonstration comes amid continued reports of attacks in South Kivu, including drone strikes, the burning of villages, and restrictions on humanitarian access to Banyamulenge communities living in the highlands of Minembwe.
They argued that these conditions have contributed to the deaths of civilians, including children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
The protest was organized by the Banyamulenge Congolese Community of Australia (BCCA) and the Kinyarwanda Speaking Congolese Community (KSCC).
Participants marched through Canberra and delivered written messages to the embassies of the United States and Belgium, calling for greater international attention to the situation in eastern Congo.
Speaking during the protest, BCCA President Birori Zawadi Munyaruhanga said demonstrators were demanding justice, peace, and equal rights for affected communities.
“We are calling for justice, peace, and the right to live like everyone else,” he said, while also appealing for protection from both the Congolese government and the United States.
KSCC President Innocent Amini Yuhi said Canberra was chosen to ensure that the protesters’ message reached policymakers. He noted that similar advocacy efforts were underway among Banyamulenge communities in the United States and Belgium.
The protest follows demonstrations held earlier this year by Banyamulenge communities in Washington, D.C., and Kenya, where participants also called on the international community to intervene and address violence affecting civilians in South Kivu.
Protest organizers argued that lasting peace will require stronger international engagement and the implementation of peace agreements signed between the Congolese government and AFC/M23, which they say have yet to be fully implemented.
Members of the Banyamulenge community in Australia have staged a peaceful protest in Canberra, calling for justice and an end to violence against their communities in eastern DRC.Community leaders addressed protesters during a rally in Canberra, urging stronger international engagement to help restore peace and security in eastern Congo.Protesters march through Canberra on May 29, 2026, raising concerns over killings, discrimination, and insecurity affecting Banyamulenge community in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.Demonstrators gather in Australia’s capital to raise awareness of attacks, displacement, and humanitarian challenges facing Banyamulenge communities in South Kivu.
The event took place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and was organized to engage young people born to former Rwandan refugees in the Republic of Congo, helping them better understand Rwanda’s history, culture, values and traditions.
During the discussions, Amb. Busabizwa described young people as the future of Rwanda and highlighted government efforts to empower youth through education, employment and leadership opportunities.
He encouraged them to take part in various youth-focused programs, including Itorero ry’Urungano, Youth Tour and Itorero Indangamirwa.
The ambassador also urged them to participate in activities organized for the youth to help them better understand accurate information about Rwanda, strengthen patriotism and obtain Rwandan identification documents as part of efforts to build a united Rwandan community abroad.
“Young people are the future of Rwanda. You have the right to obtain Rwandan documents. Do not allow those who spread hatred and division to mislead you, because we are one people. We come together to discuss Rwanda and what can contribute to its development. It is important that you understand this and work together to build our shared future,” he said.
He further informed participants about programs planned by the embassy, including Kinyarwanda language lessons, traditional dance and cultural activities, as well as sports initiatives.
Some of the participants shared testimonies about how such engagements had changed their perceptions and understanding of Rwanda.
They said they had previously received misleading information about Rwanda and its leadership, and encouraged fellow youth to approach the embassy for assistance in obtaining documents and learning more about their country of origin.
They also noted that Rwanda offers many opportunities for young people.
The participants concluded by thanking the Rwandan Embassy for organizing programs that help connect them to their homeland and deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s history, culture and their responsibilities as Rwandan youth living abroad.
Ambassador Busabizwa engaged over 90 Rwandan youth in Congo on patriotism and national identityRwandan youth in Brazzaville have been urged to strengthen patriotism during embassy engagement programEmbassy outreach in Brazzaville seeks to reconnect Rwandan youth with their history and heritage
Dr. Nsengiyumva met members of the Rwandan community during his visit to Benin, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni on Sunday in the city of Cotonou.
As confirmed by Rwanda’s office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Nsengiyumva also commended the community for its contribution to relations between Rwanda and Benin.
The inauguration ceremony of President Romuald Wadagni took place at the Congress Palace in Cotonou and brought together more than 6,000 guests, including former presidents, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Wadagni secured victory in the April 12, 2026 presidential election with more than 94% of the vote and officially began his seven-year constitutional term on Sunday.
Before Dorothe Sossa, president of the Constitutional Court, Wadagni pledged to serve and defend Benin, respect the Constitution and promote peace, national unity and the common good.
He also committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and serving the people faithfully.
Rwanda and Benin maintain cordial bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning sectors such as security, trade promotion and other areas of development.
Dr. Nsengiyumva met members of the Rwandan community during his visit to Benin.Dr. Nsengiyumva also commended the community for its contribution to relations between Rwanda and Benin.
Itorero Indangamirwa is a national civic education and values-formation programme established in 2008. It is designed to promote Rwandan cultural values, national history, and principles of socio-economic transformation, while also introducing participants to basic military skills and leadership training.
The programme targets Rwandan youth aged 18 to 23 years, including members of the Diaspora, students from international schools operating in Rwanda, students in universities and higher learning institutions, and outstanding performers from the 13th cohort of the Non-Residential National Service (Urugerero).
The 16th Cohort will take place from 1 July to 10 August 2026 at CTC Gabiro in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province.
Eligibility at a glance
Applicants must be Rwandan citizens with valid proof of nationality, such as a National ID or passport, and fall within the age range of 18 to 23 years. They are also required to be physically and mentally fit.
In addition, applicants should be able to cover their round-trip transport or airfare costs and must be fully available to participate for the entire duration of the programme.
Authorities emphasise that full participation is required for the entire training period, and partial attendance will not be accepted.
Applications are submitted online via the registration link: https://t.co/bCqv973BR9
Itorero Indangamirwa is a national civic education and values-formation programme established in 2008.
During the protest, speakers called attention to the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging stronger international engagement. Among them was Pitou Chomongo, president of Diaspora Plurielle and member of the International Social Body for Human Rights in Congo, who criticised what he described as the “silence and inaction” of the international community.
According to him, the choice of Brussels carries strong symbolic significance. The Belgian capital hosts the institutions of the European Union, representations of the United Nations in Europe, as well as NATO headquarters.
“We came here to Brussels to denounce the silence and inaction of the European Union, the United Nations, and NATO in the face of the dramatic situation our country is going through,” Pitou Chomongo told demonstrators.
The speaker believes that these major international powers play a significant role in political and diplomatic decisions affecting Africa as well as international institutions. For him, Brussels therefore represents a strategic place where the Congolese diaspora can make its voice heard.
Following the demonstration, a conference and discussion session was also scheduled to further address the humanitarian and security situation in the eastern provinces of the DRC, particularly in North Kivu, Ituri, and parts of Katanga.
Pitou Chomongo accused the Kinshasa government of fueling hate speech and carrying out security policies targeting specific communities. He notably mentioned the Tutsi community in North Kivu, the Banyamulenge in the High Plateaus of Minembwe, and the Hema community in Ituri.
According to him, bombardments targeting civilian populations are taking place in several localities, including Minembwe and Masisi. He also denounced what he described as arbitrary arrests of military and judicial officers from Katanga.
“This is a way of putting pressure on certain communities and excluding them from national life,” he stated, accusing the authorities in power of wanting to “remain in office indefinitely.”
Gakiza David, representative of the Banyamulenge mutual coordination in Europe and member of the executive committee of the Gakondo association, also addressed the gathering.
He explained that the coalition brings together participants from several European countries to support this peaceful demonstration organized in Brussels. Gakiza thanked the entire coordination team involved in organizing the event, as well as all participants who attended.
Gakiza David also emphasized that the day was structured around three main activities: the peaceful demonstration, the press conference, and a question-and-answer session dedicated to discussions on the humanitarian and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This mobilization by the Congolese diaspora comes amid ongoing tensions in eastern DRC, where security, community, and humanitarian issues continue to raise serious concerns among local populations and human rights organizations.
Photos taken during peaceful demonstration
Photos from the press conference and the question-and-answer session focused on discussions about the security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In August 2023, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana had revealed that the program would temporarily be hosted at Nkumba Civic Training Center in Burera District which had enough accomodations, noting that it would undergo further upgrades to fully meet the required standards.
However, on May 11, 2026, MINUBUMWE confirmed that this year’s edition of Itorero Indangamirwa will take place in Gabiro from July 1 to August 10. The ministry further announced that students from universities and higher learning institutions will also join this year’s intake.
Traditionally, the program was designated for young people aged between 18 and 25. This year, however, participation will be limited to youth between the ages of 18 and 23.
Established in 2008, Itorero Indangamirwa brings together young Rwandans living abroad, students studying in international schools operating in Rwanda, and outstanding participants who excelled in the national service program known as Rugerero.
Participants receive training aimed at instilling patriotism, discipline, cultural values, and a spirit of responsibility and leadership.
They are also taught Rwanda’s history and encouraged to share ideas on how they can contribute to the country’s development while safeguarding its achievements.
In addition, security personnel provide the youth with basic defense and military orientation through practical exercises. The training includes introductory lessons on firearm handling, basic combat planning, and military tactics.
Since 2023, Itorero Indangamirwa had been relocated to the Nkumba Civic Training Center.
The event followed commemorative activities held in other Belgian cities, including Brussels, Liège, Bruges, Namur, and Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve.
As customary, the day began with a remembrance walk from Marnixplaats in Antwerp to the city’s Palace of Justice. At the venue, speeches were delivered by young people involved in organizing the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
The second part of the day took place in the Berchem district of Antwerp and featured the lighting of the Flame of Hope, speeches, testimonies, and commemorative songs performed by Lionel Sentore.
In his speech, Steve Rugamba, head of DRB-Rugali in Antwerp, thanked participants who had traveled from different parts of Belgium to join the commemoration and highlighted the significance of remembering.
“Remembering is not only about looking back at the past. Remembering is also about protecting our dignity. It is about reminding the world that no one should tell us who we are. No one should define our worth or rewrite our history in ways that diminish us,” he said.
Claire Kayirangwa, Secretary of Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, speaking on behalf of the organization, reflected on the deep meaning of remembrance. She encouraged young people to continue carrying this history forward while rejecting hatred, which only leads to evil, and continuing to stand for truth.
She also paid tribute to the soldiers of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (Inkotanyi) who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi, stressing that without them, it would not be possible today to speak openly about this history. She further praised the role of President Paul Kagame in Rwanda’s development and in promoting national unity free from discrimination.
The third part of the day was marked by a night vigil led by Miheto Tatien, featuring testimonies, the screening of photographs of some victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, and remembrance songs performed in an atmosphere of reflection and mourning.
Commemoration activities for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Belgium began on April 7, 2026, and will continue in the cities of Mons, Charleroi, Tournai, and Leuven.
Steve Rugamba, head of the Rwandan Diaspora – Antwerp section.Lina Mukandoli delivered a testimony through poetry.Kayitesi Chantal shared testimony about how she survived in Kibirira.Léna Rutagira and Charles Mwunvirangoma coordinated the second part of the commemoration evening.Claire Kayirangwa, representing Ibuka-Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, delivering the speech of the day.Yaowo, a politician and councillor in the City of Antwerp said that it is very important to commemorate and give space to the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, while also supporting the survivors they live alongside every day.Artist Lionel Sentore performed at the event.
The Rwandan community and its friends gathered, as they do every year, to honor the memory of the victims, in a spirit of unity, dignity, and transmission.
Kwibuka 32 is notably marked by a more visible engagement from Belgian local authorities. Representatives from several cities, including Bruges, Namur, Liège, and Brussels, actively took part in the events.
Compared to previous years, this evolution reflects a new dynamic. While some absences were noted in 2025, this year’s participation appears more consistent and deliberate. From April 7, marking the beginning of the commemoration period, several local officials were present, demonstrating their willingness to support this memorial initiative.
Beyond their presence, this involvement reflects a better understanding of the significance of Kwibuka in Belgium.
It highlights an institutional commitment to the duty of remembrance, free from political considerations and focused on honoring the victims.
The cities that will host upcoming commemorations in the coming weeks include Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Antwerp, Tournai, Charleroi, and Leuven.
Thus, Kwibuka 32 in Belgium reflects a positive development, driven by strengthened engagement and clear support from local authorities, an encouraging dynamic for the years to come.
In front of Bruges City Hall, Mayor Dirk De Fauw emphasized the importance of the duty of remembrance in preventing the crime of genocide.In Liège, on April 11, 2026, Mayor Willy Demeyer took part in the 32nd commemoration of the genocide committed against the Tutsi, in memory of the victims. He recalled the city’s commitment as a place of welcome, freedom, and solidarity, while calling for collective action to turn remembrance into action and to uphold democratic values as well as human dignity.Charlotte Bazlaire, Mayor of the City of Namur, in front of the courthouse, where a memorial honoring the victims of the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda has been erected.
In front of survivors and the authorities of the City of Namur present on the occasion, the child spoke with remarkable sincerity and depth.
“I stand before you in memory of our loved ones who were killed in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” he stated at the outset, honoring those who lost their lives during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
In a speech filled with emotion, he spoke about shattered lives: men, women, and children—each with dreams, families, and unique stories. He reminded the audience that behind every victim was a life, a smile, a hope.
The young speaker also highlighted the enduring reality of grief. “This pain is not always visible. It is silent, but it is there,” he said, emphasizing the living memory carried by families and survivors.
Beyond remembrance, his message carried hope. He called for memory to become a foundation for building a better future: “Their memory can help us build something more just, more humane.”
Aware of his young age, he added with humility: “I cannot change what happened, but I can learn, remember, and believe in a different future, a future without violence where children grow up in safety and where solidarity prevails over hatred.”
Thirty-two years later, his speech reminded everyone of the importance of never forgetting, while holding on to a light of hope.
“Even after the darkest moments, it is possible to rebuild, to rise again, and to move forward together,” he stressed.
Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the efforts of reconstruction, remembrance, and reconciliation undertaken by the Rwandan government, noting that a future based on peace and dignity remains possible.
Through his simple yet powerful words, Christian Cyusa delivered a striking testimony, embodying both memory and hope for future generations.
Christian Cyusa delivers a powerful tribute during the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in NamurChristian Cyusa’s tribute stirred deep emotions, as attendees reflected on the pain and memory of the victims.Speaking before survivors and local authorities, the young orator created a solemn ambience filled with remembrance and respect.As he honored the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the audience was drawn into a moment of shared reflection and silence.The 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Namur was marked by a deeply emotional atmosphere as Christian Cyusa delivered a powerful tribute.
The event brought together, among others, the Acting Mayor of Namur, Charlotte Bazlaire, Claire Kayirangwa, representative of Ibuka-Memory and Justice-Belgium, Gakuba Ernest, President of the Rwandan diaspora in Belgium, as well as Karugarama Lionel, President of the Rwandan diaspora section in Namur, who also coordinated the ceremony.
The President of “Les Territoires de la Mémoire,” Michaël Bisschops, who came from the Liège region, also took part in the commemoration, alongside representatives of various associations active in Belgium.
The commemoration held in Namur is part of a series of similar events organized in several cities, including Brussels, Liège, and Bruges.
The event began at the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, located in front of the Namur Courthouse. The memorial was relocated from the MusAfrica museum to make it more visible to the public, particularly in front of the Courthouse, thus allowing for better transmission of memory.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Acting Mayor of Namur, Charlotte Bazlaire honored victims of the genocide and called for collective efforts to prevent reoccurrence.
“It is an honor to be here representing the City of Namur during this 32nd commemoration. I am thinking of all those who were affected, in one way or another, by this tragedy.
“Thirty-two years later, the wounds are still present. I am here to remind people that in 1994, extreme brutality took place in Rwanda, and to raise awareness in today’s world about the importance of preventing the divisions that can lead to genocide,” she said.
Bazlaire added that her participation reflects a duty of remembrance, aimed at preventing any trivialization or forgetting of these tragic events.
She also welcomed the relocation of the memorial in front of the Courthouse, highlighting the symbolic importance of its visible location.
Claire Kayirangwa, representative of Ibuka-Memory and Justice-Belgium, thanked the organizers and participants, including friends of Rwanda.
“Your presence shows your commitment to ensuring that this history is never forgotten and that such a tragedy never happens again anywhere in the world. You have also come to support survivors and honor the memory of their loved ones,” she noted.
Speaking at the event, Michaël Bisschops, President of “Les Territoires de la Mémoire,” stressed that remaining silent in the face of such crimes is equivalent to a second killing.
“Keeping silent in the face of such barbarity is like killing a second time, as it allows it to happen again. Genocide does not begin with weapons, but with words that dehumanize people. Today is therefore a day to speak out, because we do not have the right to remain silent,” he said.
He emphasized that his presence from Liège reflected his commitment to preserving this memory and supporting survivors.
Akoeley Bernard, advisor at the CPAS of Namur, said she was only seven years old in 1994 and learned about these events through television.
“I could not understand how a human being could commit such acts. I felt a lot of anger and sadness, wondering why journalists were showing these images without being able to save the victims.”
She added that she later realized it was not only the media, but the entire world that had abandoned the Tutsi.
Akoeley also stressed that this tragedy is part of Belgium’s history, due to divisions inherited from the colonial period that contributed to the genocide.
Dorothée Klein, President of the CPAS of Namur, stressed the importance of the commemoration held in the city of Namur to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
She noted that the gathering served as a moment to honor the memory of more than one million people who were killed, explaining that entire families were destroyed while others were displaced and scattered across the world. According to her, such acts of remembrance are essential to ensure that similar tragedies are never repeated.
Klein emphasized that even though the events took place far from Belgium, it remains important for communities in Namur to remember and share testimonies. She underlined that silence is not an option in the face of such crimes, as forgetting would amount to a second injustice against the victims.
“Although words fall short in the face of such atrocities, silence is not an option,” she said. “We must continue to speak and to remember, so that the victims are not lost to oblivion a second time.”
Klein further warned that genocide does not happen suddenly, but develops gradually when discrimination becomes normalized and tolerated.
She called for continued vigilance, stressing that societies must actively resist all forms of exclusion and dehumanization to prevent history from repeating itself.
The event also featured testimony from Claire Ruyuki, a survivor of the genocide, who spoke about the loss of her family members and shared a letter her father had written to her, encouraging her to continue her education and remain strong.
“Today, I am alive and I have children. They are my greatest treasure. Testifying is essential,” she said.
The day continued with an evening commemoration, including the screening of a testimony about the life of a genocide survivor, Providence Rwayitare, followed by a discussion with psychologists Annick Umutoni Rwampungu and Jacqueline Rwagatare.
Finally, a remembrance vigil led by Miheto Tatien allowed participants to view photos of genocide victims and reflect on their lives to honor their memory.
The next commemorations in the coming weeks will take place in Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Antwerp, Tournai, Charleroi and Leuven.
The ceremony in Namur began at the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, located in front of the Namur Courthouse (Palais de Justice de Namur), where the remembrance walk known as the “torchlight march” (« marche aux flambeaux ») also started.The event featured a commemorative evening during which a short film depicting the life of a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwayitare Providence, was screened.Umutoni Rwampungu Annick also attended the eventJacqueline Rwagatare also took part in commemoration talks. The Acting Mayor of the City of Namur, Charlotte Bazlaire, speaking to IGIHE in front of the Namur Courthouse, where a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is located.Claire Kayirangwa, representing Ibuka–Memory and Justice Belgium, and Gakuba Ernest, head of the Rwandan diaspora in Belgium, lay wreaths at the memorial in Namur.Michaël Bisschops, president of Les Territoires de la Mémoire, and Miheto Tatien pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.The memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi is located in front of the Namur Courthouse.Karugarama Lionel, head of the Rwandan diaspora section in Namur, led the ceremony.Akoeley Bernard, advisor at the CPAS of the City of Namur, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.The children, represented by one of their peers, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.Claire Ruyuki, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi shared her testimony. Marie-Emilie Gaju and her father, Jean-François Cahay, performed commemorative songs during the ceremony honoring the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Namur.Karugarama Lionel, head of the Rwandan diaspora section in Namur, led the ceremony.Claire Kayirangwa, representing Ibuka–Memory and Justice Belgium, and Gakuba Ernest, head of the Rwandan diaspora in Belgium, lay wreaths at the memorial in Namur.Michaël Bisschops, president of Les Territoires de la Mémoire, and Miheto Tatien pay tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.Akoeley Bernard, advisor at the CPAS of the City of Namur, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.The children, represented by one of their peers, paid tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.The memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi is located in front of the Namur Courthouse.The Acting Mayor of the City of Namur, Charlotte Bazlaire, speaking to IGIHE in front of the Namur Courthouse, where a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is located.
